Bbosa backs Kitara to carry CAF momentum into Express clash

Uganda Premier League

Today, 4pm

UPDF v Maroons

At 8pm

Express v Kitara

Saturday

Vipers v Ntugasaze

Fresh from securing their place in the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup, Kitara FC return to Uganda Premier League (UPL) action tonight with a difficult away fixture against Express FC at Hamz Stadium Nakivubo under the floodlights.

The Royals advanced with a 4-1 aggregate victory over Somalia’s Mogadishu City Club and will hope to carry that momentum into the domestic campaign starting with a wounded Express side.

Today’s game will be only Kitara’s second league match of the season. They opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against SC Villa on August 28 at Muteesa II Stadium Wankulukuku.

Their subsequent league fixtures against Mbarara City and URA were postponed to give them adequate preparation for their CAF assignment.

Kitara coach Wasswa Bbosa wants his players to use their continental success as motivation as they face his former club.

“We have recovered well from the game against Mogadishu; the players are all switched on and focused for this game. It will not be easy but we are ready,” said Bbosa.

Jimmy Kalema, who scored three goals across the two legs against Mogadishu, will be one of Kitara’s main threats, alongside veteran Patrick Kaddu and Frank Tumwesigye.

Express, however, will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing outing against rivals Villa in their last match.

The defeat to Villa was particularly frustrating for coach Morley Byekwaso and his players after Express created several opportunities but failed to convert them. Two costly errors by captain and experienced goalkeeper Mathias Kigoonya also gifted Villa their goals.

Byekwaso has consequently demanded greater efficiency in front of goal and improved concentration at the back.

“We have worked on the mistakes that made us lose our last game against Villa. One key area we have given serious attention has been taking our chances because in the previous games, we have been creating many but not converting,” said Byekwaso.

Nicholas Jjonga, Steven Yiga, Abasi Muluya and Isaac Wagoina will be expected to provide the attacking spark for Express.

The fixture also carries an interesting recent history. Kitara have won three of their last five meetings with Express, while the Red Eagles have won two.

Last season, Kitara won the first meeting 3-0 at Royals Park in Butema, Hoima before Express responded with a 3-2 victory at Nakivubo.

The rivalry was also at the centre of controversy in 2024 when Kitara beat Express 7-0 at Butema in a match that was alleged to have been fixed, resulting in the suspension of some Express officials and players by FUFA.